The opening night of WWE SummerSlam 2024 delivered an evening packed with high-stakes championship battles and highly anticipated celebrity appearances, captivating a global audience. Emanating from MetLife Stadium, the event marked the first time SummerSlam extended to two nights, promising an unforgettable spectacle for wrestling enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

The headline attraction of Night One saw the formidable WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defend his coveted title against the returning icon, CM Punk. This highly anticipated encounter was a clash of titans, with Punk aiming for his first WWE World Championship reign since 2013, setting a dramatic tone for the evening’s main event.

In a grueling contest that showcased both competitors’ resilience, CM Punk ultimately triumphed over Gunther, securing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after a hard-fought battle. The jubilation of Punk’s victory was short-lived, however, as Seth Rollins, surprisingly fit and accompanied by Paul Heyman, dramatically interrupted Punk’s celebration, attacking the newly crowned champion in a shocking post-match development that immediately ignited a new rivalry.

Adding a unique dimension to the wrestling spectacle was the much-anticipated in-ring debut of musician Jelly Roll. His presence generated significant buzz throughout the pre-show and into the main event, with extensive coverage of his training and weight-loss journey, establishing him as a central figure in the night’s narrative.

Jelly Roll teamed with Randy Orton in a high-profile tag team match against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, delivering a dynamic and eventful encounter. Key moments included Paul’s audacious splash through the announce table on Jelly Roll and the crowd’s vocal reactions, underscoring the blend of celebrity allure and traditional wrestling action that permeated the event.

Beyond the main events, Night One also featured other significant matchups. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships from Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez in a hard-fought contest. Additionally, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill delivered a compelling singles match, showcasing rising talent within the WWE ranks.

While Night One offered several memorable moments and high-stakes wrestling, the pacing of the three-and-a-half-hour show, which included approximately 90 minutes of in-ring action, received varied reactions. The focus on celebrity integration, particularly with Jelly Roll’s extensive segments, undeniably shaped the audience experience, aiming for broad appeal beyond the core wrestling fanbase.